As Durga Puja, the grand festival of West Bengal, approaches, a unique touch of festivity is being added to the lives of inmates in the state’s correctional homes. With just four days left before the celebrations begin, officials have announced a special menu that will include a range of Bengali delicacies, a significant departure from the regular fare.
From October 9th (Sasthi) to October 12th (Dashami), the inmates will be treated to a mouthwatering spread, including mutton biryani, ‘basanti pulao’, and other traditional Bengali dishes. This culinary delight aims to bring a sense of celebration and cheer to the 26,994 men and 1,778 women currently residing in the 59 correctional homes across West Bengal.
The menu caters to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festive spirit. However, recognizing religious sensitivities, officials have allowed jailers the flexibility to choose dishes they prefer. Options include ‘Macher matha diye pui shak’ (Spinach curry with fish head), macher matha diye dal’ (dal with fish head), luchi-cholar dal’ (puri and Bengali chana dal), payesh’ or kheer (Bengali porridge), chicken curry, alu potol chingri’ (shrimp with pointed gourd and potato), and mutton biryani with ‘raita’ (mixed curd).
The inmates themselves are playing a key role in preparing these special dishes. The cooks within the correctional homes will be responsible for creating these festive meals, adding a personal touch to the celebrations. One official remarked that requests for improved food during festivals are common, reflecting a desire for a touch of normalcy and joy.
The initiative is seen as a positive step towards the rehabilitation of inmates, providing them with a taste of home and the opportunity to partake in the joyous spirit of Durga Puja. “We have got a new menu this year and are hopeful that this will bring smiles to their faces. I personally consider this as a very positive move to reform them,” said an official.
Among the inmates currently residing in correctional homes is Partha Chatterjee, a former state minister implicated in school recruitment scams. Jyoti Priya Mallick, another former minister accused of irregularities in the public distribution system, is also incarcerated. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, is currently facing charges of tampering with evidence in the rape-murder of a female post-graduate trainee doctor that occurred on August 9th, 2024.
